Josh Key | I am ready to kick on next season

Josh Key is confident there is plenty more to come from him next season after completing his first campaign at Championship level.

The right-back made an impressive start to life in SA1 following his arrival from Exeter City, but injuries would hinder his campaign as he ended up making 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring memorable goals against Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City.

However, he ended 2023-24 as a regular starter and in a fine run of form and, having successfully made the step up to the second tier, he is keen to kick on.

“It was my first season in the Championship, and at the start of the season I was never sure on how it was going to go,” admitted the defender.

“I always back myself to do well, but now I feel I am settled and I can really compete at this level. 

“Football changes very quickly but I am really happy with how I have done, and I like to think I have earned the fans’ trust, and next season hopefully my levels will go up. 

“The gaffer and the staff we have here really suit me, I think we can really push on as a team next season, and personally I think everyone’s levels can go up again. 

“It can take some time to fit into a team, but I really enjoy being around the lads and I just know the level of performance will be higher next season.”

Key was on the sidelines when Luke Williams was appointed head coach in January, and was not available to return to action until mid-March.

But he has enjoyed the chance to work with the former Notts County boss, and feels he is already benefiting as a player.

“I was injured when the gaffer came, it was the longest period I have been injured for so I was unsure how it would go,” added Key. 

“But since he came in I have loved the style of play and it has suited me perfectly. 

“I think the way that he has coached me has been great, I have really enjoyed my football under him and I think when you enjoy football under a manager you want to play for him, and you want to play for the fans because you are playing proper football.

“I have really enjoyed the last few months and it just leaves you really excited about what he is going to do and what he is going to bring to my game and to Swansea. 

“The people here deserve to see good football and to see a team with a lot of desire, and I know next season we will bring that.”